Lost Industry Lost Steel Industry

If you prefer beer to be a straight-up combination of malt and hops, then this is not for you. On the other hand, if you’re prepared to experiment, maybe this will float your boat. It’s an interesting attempt to create a beer equivalent of a mojito. Pouring a soupy, cloudy yellow color, it presents a tart, slightly minty, citrus aroma before bursting in the mouth with lime sourness and delicate mint notes. The combination of flavors is nicely judged, and dryness and acidity add to the refreshment, right into the tart citrus finish.

Jeff Evans is author of the Good Bottled Beer Guide, The Book of Beer Knowledge, Beer Lover's Britain and So You Want to Be a Beer Expert? More of his writing can be found at insidebeer.com.

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A beer that’s also a cry of anguish, as it’s based in the north of England, a region that has lost its mines and steel plants. But the brewery also looks to the future with a 6.1% beer in the modern sour mold, but with the addition of both lime and mint. The beer is a hazy pale gold in color, followed by an aroma that smacks of mint and lime, underscored by powerful acidic notes and a hint of earthy hops. The palate is crisp, tart and appealing, with lime and mint dominating, but balanced by spicy hops and creamy malt. The finish is dry with a persistent if gentle hop note and smooth malt with a continuing prickle of tangy, sour fruit. Oddball but delicious.

Roger Protz is the author of 300 Beers to Try Before You Die and 300 More Beers to Try Before You Die. Respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and protzonbeer.co.uk.

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